Dandaragan shire chief executive officer Tony Nottle explains why his shire has formed a regional alliance with neighbours. He says the Perth metropolitan spread has pushed people and industry into regional shires bounding the Perth metro area.

As Australia's population and the market for its rich resources grows, the Federal Government is looking to develop Northern Australia as the next frontier. But with vast distances to cover and limited public funds, turning aspirations into reality has its challenges. There are many obstacles to overcome not least of which is mother nature as Tony Eastley outlines in this news special - The Great North.